In the summer of 2007 we began making plans for a new restaurant. The location was beautiful here on the banks of the Catawba River. Our goal was to create a restaurant that was guest orientated and dedicated to quality, service and value, much like that of Morganton’s premier restaurant from the past, the Original Emporium. Johnny Barron, owner of the Emporium my partner and mentor for eleven years always stressed fabulous food and true southern hospitality. As you will notice we have included some of the old Emporium favorites along with lots of new and exciting creations.

Plans were progressing well except for the name. While eating with a group of good friends on a Friday night the question was asked, what’s the name? After a bit of discussion a suggestion was made ”Friday Friends” and the name stuck as did our theme ”Friends”. Throughout our restaurant you will see quotes of what a friend means to different people including some of my Friday friends. Please feel free to read what a friend is to them and we would love to hear what a friend is to you. Drop yours in the suggestion box at the front door. Be sure to sign them as they might make our walls in the future.

We hope you will enjoy our fabulous food and our true southern hospitality!

We look forward to seeing you and your friends often at Friday Friends!